Preparation and characterization of BaSnO3 nanostructures via a new simple surfactant-free route

Pure barium stannate (BaSnO3) nanostructures were prepared via a new facile surfactant-free coprecipitation-calcination route by employing Ba(Sal)(2) (Sal = salicylidene) and SnCl2 center dot 2H(2)O as precursors. Ba(Sal)(2) was employed as precursor to synthesize BaSnO3 nanostructures for the first time. The as-obtained BaSnO3 nanostructures were analyzed by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Based on the morphological investigations of the as-prepared samples, it was found that the particle size and shape of the BaSnO3 depended on the reaction temperature, precipitator and surfactant. BaSnO3 nanostructures with various shapes and particle sizes were successfully prepared. Furthermore, the photocatalytic properties of as-synthesized BaSnO3 were evaluated by degradation of eriochrome black T (anionic dye) as water contaminant.